In the weeks that followed, it wasn’t easy for Ans and Erik to arrange time off together, but when they did, they spent it with each other. Along with dances and leisurely picnics in the park, they watched the boat traffic on the canals, ate in little cafés along the Rijn, and rode bicycles together over Leiden’s lumpy brick streets. Ans took Erik through the conservatory at the Hortus Botanicus and browsed through Leiden’s bookshops, where they found a book with photographs of Erik’s native Java. Ans introduced Erik to Eloise Huizenga when he came to fetch her one evening, and Eloise declared him “a decent and charming young man.” On one beautiful Sunday morning, Ans asked to be excused from church, and she and Erik rode their bicycles to the beach at Katwijk. Erik took her hand as they walked through the sand near the shore and admired the old lighthouse. She loved the feel of his hand in her own.

“Are you and Erik getting serious?” Jansje asked one day when Ans stopped at the café alone for coffee. “You’re together all the time now.”

“We’re just good friends. That’s the way we both want it, for now. We have fun together.” But Ans couldn’t deny the prickle of excitement she felt every time she waited for Erik to arrive. Or the deep contentment she felt when she walked beside him, holding his hand. She began wishing he would kiss her, and when he finally did, holding her face in his strong, square hands, his fingers tangled in her hair, it was the most wonderful feeling Ans had ever experienced.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for quite a while,” he murmured, his breath tickling her face.

“Me too . . .” They stood in the shadows along the Witte Singel, the water rippling gently against the shore, the twinkling city lights reflected on the water. Erik pulled her close and kissed her again, and Ans never wanted to leave his arms. Was this what love felt like? Was she falling in love? Whatever it was, Ans had never felt freer or happier.

CHAPTER 6

“I’ve come up with an idea,” Avi said one afternoon. “I’d like to know what you think.” Miriam couldn’t imagine what he might say, but she was touched that he valued her opinion. “The Sabbath begins tomorrow at sundown, and I’d like you and your father to celebrate it with me. We can invite other families too, if you’d like, but I would especially like to celebrate it with you. Will you help me with the arrangements?”

The idea delighted Miriam. “You’ll have to teach me what to do. I’ve never made Sabbath preparations before.”

“The most important things are the bread, the wine, and the candles. I have a book with all the prayers and readings.” His enthusiasm was contagious.